Catalog

	Table of Contents
p. 4 of 25 BACK | NEXT I. Introduction A. Projects Involving Displacement of People B. Magnitude and Impacts of Population Displacement C. Voluntary Migration vs. Involuntary Resettlement D. Involuntary Resettlement and the Environment II. Review of Involuntary Resettlment Experiences III. Involuntary Resettlement Policy IV. Implementation Procedures V. Conclusions

Involuntary Resettlement : I. Introduction

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C. Voluntary Migration vs. Involuntary Resettlement

9. Voluntary movement of people such as rural-urban migration and transmigration programs organized by governments often stimulates economic growth. The people involved in such movements are likely to be (i) self-selected, young or middle-aged men that are single or (ii) households headed by such men. They are dynamic, and show initiative, and willingness to take risks and pursue new opportunities and challenges. Government-organized successful transmigration programs are often planned with significant attention not only to new home sites, but also to new livelihood opportunities, social services, community organizations and even cultural and religious needs. The planning of such programs is generally elaborate, involving surveys of natural resources including agro-climatic conditions in resettlement areas, and identification of suitable cropping patterns and other viable livelihood opportunities. Migrants are assisted to transfer to the new locations, given food and shelter to tide over the transition period, trained and advised on how to establish themselves, and provided support services such as access to credit, markets, and extension services. Often a number of government technical agencies are drawn in to provide the necessary support and services in the transmigration areas.

10. On the other hand, involuntary resettlement involves people of all ages and gender, some of whom may be evicted against their desires. Many of these people may be risk-averse and may lack the dynamism, initiative, and wherewithal to move and reestablish in a new location and undertake new avocations. Women and households headed by them are likely to suffer more than men because the compensation is often paid to the men, households headed by women usually have fragile economic status, and women have limited access to many support services. Without significant help, people who are involuntarily resettled may become impoverished. If involuntary resettlement is unavoidable, it should be well planned and executed so that economic growth is enhanced and poverty reduced, especially for such vulnerable people.

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